What you are looking at
A small goldfinch sits on a perch fixed to a pale wall, held by a thin chain on its leg. The whole picture is not much bigger than a sheet of paper.
Why it is famous
Fabritius, a pupil of Rembrandt, painted it in 1654, the year he was killed in the huge gunpowder explosion that destroyed part of Delft. Very few of his works survive. Donna Tartt's novel The Goldfinch (2013) made it famous worldwide.
How big is The Goldfinch?
The Goldfinch measures 33.5 × 22.8 cm (13.2 × 9.0 in), without its frame. It is smaller than the Mona Lisa: about 18% of its area.
Compare it with other paintings
Where to see it
It is at the Mauritshuis in The Hague. It is small, so look for it at eye level.
Museums move and lend paintings. Check the museum's website before you travel to see one work.
Also at the Mauritshuis
Frequently asked questions
Who painted The Goldfinch?
Carel Fabritius painted The Goldfinch in 1654.
Where is The Goldfinch?
The Goldfinch is in the Mauritshuis, The Hague, Netherlands.
How big is The Goldfinch?
33.5 × 22.8 cm (13.2 × 9.0 in). It is smaller than the Mona Lisa: about 18% of its area.
What is The Goldfinch made with?
Oil on panel.
Sources: Wikidata Q13726073; Wikipedia, "The Goldfinch". Checked October 17, 2026. How we check.